Metallics in makeup are nothing new; but it’s also a reality that not all metallic products are created equal. Some offer a gentle shimmer, others are born from a desire to turn their wearer into a glittering show-girl or a fairytale princess from a childhood dream. These can be precarious to apply, especially for day-time. Not everyone wants a face covered in glitter or nails that sparkle like cut diamonds.

There’s little doubt where metallics in spring 2012 take their inspiration from, however. It’s from the deep caverns and rising rocks of nature’s most beautiful landscapes; from natural ores and minerals and precious metals in their state of raw beauty as they’re lifted from the earth. And if anyone has thus far got the look spot-on, it’s Tom Ford.

Tom Ford metallic nail polish: the colour

Tom Ford‘s metallic collection for spring 2012 includes four new shades of nail lacquer: Silver Smoke, Gold Haze, Burnished Rouge, and Burnt Topaz. These glide on impressively like molten metal. I tested out Silver Smoke and found that there was nothing remotely garish or showgirl about it: in fact the burnished effect leaves it looking a little like a mix of silver and gold. This is the kind of metallic that’s so subtle it can easily be worn day or night.

How the nail polish goes on

I’ll be blunt about this. My only talent in nail polish application lies in an uncanny ability to make a mess of things. So I know if I find a lacquer that goes on easily and smoothly and without ending up everywhere but my nails, it must be pretty good. By that measure Tom Ford’s metallic nail lacquer isn’t just good, it’s great. Even with my unsteady application skills my nails ended up looking as close to professional as humanly possible: no obvious brush strokes, good thick coverage after two coats, fast drying and with a truly lovely metallic finish. Frankly, if I can’t go wrong with it, no-one can.

Tom Ford Silver Smoke nail polish

Tom Ford’s metallic nail lacquers are available in Australia at David Jones beauty counters now, for a limited time. For more information head to TomFord.com.